ATHENS, Ohio (Dec. 8, 2006) -- Ohio University's Upward Bound will be implementing a new Internet-based mentoring program in January 2007.

"Teach, Inspire, Motivate and Empower" (T.I.M.E.) will serve area Upward Bound participants -- high school students who are potential first-generation college graduates, typically from low-income families.

Each student will be matched with a mentor who shares his or her professional interests and career goals. Mentors can be either college students or working professionals. The mentors and Upward Bound students will interact primarily through e-mail, although there will also be quarterly events hosted by Upward Bound staff. Mentors must complete an online training session before being paired with a student.

"A mentor should be someone who feels comfortable sharing their story with a student who is hoping to get to the same place in their career," said Tiffany Laipply, interim assistant director for Upward Bound.

Established in 1967, Ohio University's Upward Bound is a successful pre-college program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The program recruits and provides educational, social and cultural services to historically underserved students in eight counties of southeastern Ohio. Eligible high school sophomores who demonstrate a commitment to their educational goals are given the opportunity to develop the academic skills necessary to complete high school and successfully matriculate to postsecondary education.

"Since most of our students aim to be first-generation college students, it is possible they do not know anyone who is currently working toward or has a career in the field they are interested in," said Laipply. "This is one more way for them to learn about the path they need to take to reach their goals."

Laipply has already received positive feedback from students who can't wait to be teamed up with mentors. "Our young people are really looking forward to this new opportunity. It's never too early to start networking and building professional relationships that pave the road to success," she said.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor and would like to discuss the program further, contact Tiffany Laipply at 740-593-4417 or laipply@ohio.edu.